Page 3 of Unbroken (Russo Mafia)

I walk as slow as possible, giving us enough time. Fucking Lucca owes me for this. That son of a bitch better give me one hell of a reason I made my Dad lose a good night on the job to give me a shitty walk around the station. The cells are what you expected. Small, built out of cement. Some are crowded with prisoners, and I would not want to be caught dead inside of one.

“All right, that’s it for the night. I’ll knock off early and we can watch a movie. How does that sound?”

“Honestly. That sounds amazing. It’s been a while since we’ve done a Dad and daughter night.”

When I walk into school the next day, I’m already looking for Lucca. The wrath that I’m holding in is ready to blow. I find him standing by his locker, leaned against it with no care in the world. Like he didn’t ask me to do what he did. He looks up and sees me coming, his face turns serious, and he pushes off his locker. He walks towards me meeting me halfway.

“Never ask me to do you any favours again, got that. I don’t know what kind of shit you are into, but I’m not getting myself wrapped up into it,” I hissed sharply.

A smile tugged at his lips. Was he thinking I was kidding? Because I’m ready to kick him in the balls.

“Tesorocalm down. I shouldn’t have asked you do that for me. It placed you in a compromising position and I’m sorry.” His voice had softened a little.

I can’t help it. I stare at him wide eyed. I’ve heard stories about Lucca, mostly horror stories about him being a complete asshole to everyone. He does nothing without a plan, so this whole thing has me on edge and thinking what else has he planned. I once heard of him beating up a kid because he accidentally bumped into him. That said kid, ended up with a busted jaw, broken arm, ribs and didn’t come back to school afterwards.

“Whatever you’re thinking, stop. I only wanted to apologize and ask you out on a date.”

I couldn’t help it. A laugh escaped me. “Seriously. You didn’t even know me until a couple of weeks ago, and now suddenly you want a date. What gives?”

He didn’t even flinch. He simply shrugged his shoulders. “I’ve noticed you. Trust me, Charlie, everyone has. So, I’ll pick you up Friday around seven,” he tells me, then walks away.

Oh, Momma. What am I going to do? I quickly run off and find Scar. She’ll know what to do.

“OH MY GOD!” She squeals. “You must go out with him. This is perfect. If I can get a date with Rett, we can have a double date,” she states.

Okay, so clearly, she isn’t the best person for this conversation. It’s not like I have anyone else to talk to. I can’t ask my dad; he has some weird issue with the Russo’s I wish I knew why.

I groan. “Scar, we both know deep down, Rett won’t ask you out. I’m going to say this as nice as I can. Maybe it’s time to move on?” I mention and sigh when she glares at me.

“Really Charlie. That’s what you have to say to me after all these years.”

I raise my hands in surrender. “Hey maybe if he sees you with someone else, he’ll get jealous?” I shrug. “Guys are weird creatures and all.”

She taps her chin, thinking it over. “This is true. They are pigs and are rather stupid.”

I think it over and figure a date with Lucca can’t hurt. If it doesn’t end well, I don’t have to see him again. Right?

After school Friday, I’m a bundle of nerves. I am stressing out so much I’m sweating beyond belief. The entire drive home, I’m trying to figure out what to wear tonight. Why am I trying to impress him so much? I still haven’t told Dad I’m heading out on a date. I feel like a sack of shit for lying. It’s rather convenient that he won’t be here until Dad is gone almost like he knows his schedule.

When I get home, Dad is already in the kitchen prepping supper.

“What’s cookin’ old man?”

“Girl, I ain’t old and you know it. I’m making us grilled chicken with garlic mashed potatoes and a salad. Could you wash up and help?” he asked. While seasoning the chicken, looking all domesticated.

How can I say no to him? He’s the best parent ever. When my mom passed when I was ten, he really filled both roles. I only wished he found someone else to share his love with. I know he has so much more to give and when I move out in a couple of months, I’m going to feel so much guilt. Which is crazy. It’s the thought of leaving him alone that scares me. I’ll only be a couple of hours away, but still.

Grabbing everything to help him, I get busy and try to keep happy thoughts and bank all the memories I can. Once supper is over, I head upstairs and start on my homework. I usually keep it until the weekend. But I need something to distract me. I have no clue what Lucca has in store for this evening, and that drives me insane. I figured I’ll wear my black lace dress with my wedges and touch up my makeup that I wore all day. He’s not getting more from me. I’ve never done anything this crazy before. I can feel a knot forming in my stomach by the time Dad leaves for work. He quickly popped his head into my room, saying goodbye. I wait until he left before I quickly tore my clothes off and got dressed.

Seven on the dot, the doorbell rings. I want to throw up. I’ve never been on a date before, never had a boyfriend before. I figured with me leaving for college, why get attached to someone. Then he comes storming in and ruining all my plans. I open the door and nearly lose my breath. I wouldn’t expect a high schooler to look this good. Then again, it’s Lucca we are talking about. He’s wearing black dress pants with a white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up to the elbows. Showing off his tattoos.

He looks me up and down. “Sei Bellissima.You ready?” he asked.

I don’t know what it is. But every time he speaks Italian, I lose my mind. I always forget that his family is Italian. It’s something I’m not used to considering I moved from a small ass town to Toronto.

“Yeah, let me lock up and we can head out.” Once the door is closed, I make sure to lock everything. It’s one thing Dad has drilled in my head.

Lucca opens the door to his black Range Rover for me and helps me in. While I wait for him to climb in, I try to figure out why he wants to take me out. It’s been bugging me since earlier this week. The drive is quiet. I wanted to ask where we were headed, but I figured he wouldn’t tell me, so instead I let my nerves slowly get to me.

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